TOWN SIGN FULL-BACK SEAN LONG ON LOAN FROM READING

The Hatters have strengthened their defensive options with the signing of Reading full-back Sean Long on a one-month youth loan.

Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Long has been an ever-present for the Royals’ Under-21 side so far this season, playing six times including in wins over Liverpool and Tottenham.

The 20-year-old right-sided defender joined Reading from Irish side Cherry Orchard in 2012 and helped the Royals win the Under-21 Premier League Cup in 2014.

Last season Long, who has made one appearance for the Royals’ first team, helped the Berkshire club’s Under-21s to promotion to the Under-21 First Division.

Over the recent international break the full-back played 90 minutes in the Republic Under-21s’ Euro 2017 qualifiers against Lithuania and Italy.

On Long’s arrival, John Still told lutontown.co.uk: “Sean’s a talented young man who we’ve watched a few times.

“His availability gives us a touch more competition in an area where we’ve been a little light.

“Stephen O’Donnell’s had a knock and we’ve been playing Scott Cuthbert at right-back. Scotty’s done well but we see him as a centre-half and Sean gives us some flexibility should we want to play different systems, but in a four at the back he is someone who can get forward.”

Sean’s loan runs until Saturday 14th November inclusive and is available for selection for Saturday’s game at Crawley. He has been given squad number 20.

Meanwhile, the Town’s Mark Onyemah has extended his loan at National League South side Dartford for a further month.